Funeral Service for Ralph Charles Sheldon, 95 Sisseton, SD will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012
at 10:30 A.M. at the Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD with Chaplain Kevin Bradley officiating.
Pallbearers will be Kerry Cameron, Larry Goette, Neil Long, Lynn Stadtler, Kent Duerre, Boyd Hansen, and Charlie Griepp. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Ralph's grandchildren. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery, Browns Valley, MN with Military Rites by the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and Fort Sisseton VFW Post #3342. There will be visitation on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the Cahill Funeral Chapel from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and one hour prior to the funeral at the Chapel. The Cahill Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Ralph Charles Sheldon was born on December 29, 1916 to George Washington and Martha (Fossbender) Sheldon in Mobridge, SD. He attended school in Mobridge, SD. Ralph was united in marriage to Beverly Twistol on May 3, 1942 in Shakopee, MN. Ralph enlisted in the US Army in October 24, 1940 at Fort Snelling, MN. He served in Greenland, Fort Benning, and Germany. Ralph was a platoon sergeant during the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded while serving in the 7th Calvary in the Battle of the Bulge in Germany on April 6, 1945. The war ended for him that day because he was shot and spent a year in several hospitals recovering from the wound. Surgeons worked to build his jaw and teeth from the wound. He received his honorable discharge on March 3, 1946. His decorations included one Service Stripe, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Battle Stars, Expert Rifleman Badge, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. Following Ralph's discharge from the Army, he and Beverly farmed in McGregor, MN until moving to Sisseton, SD in 1950. In 1954 they moved to Tioga, ND where he worked as a carpenter and then after a year they moved to Aurora, MN where he worked and stayed for about a year. In 1957 they moved to Mobridge, SD where he was a carpenter and built two houses. He also worked on the bridges at Mobridge. In 1963 they returned to Sisseton to what is referred to as the "Dry Run" east of Sisseton in Bryant Township and farmed there until moving into Sisseton. Ralph enjoyed telling his "war" stories of when he served his country; and his stories about "Ralph's Lake". Many area residents remember the times spent at his lake fishing and ice skating. Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ralph was an expert shot. A few weeks ago, he even was fishing on his dock and caught a 20" walleye and northern. He was happy to bring his wife Beverly any flower that he found on the farm especially the first May flowers of the year. Ralph passed away on May 25, 2012 at the Tekakwitha Nursing Center in Sisseton, SD.
Ralph is survived by three sons, Gary and his wife, JoAnn C. Sheldon of Sisseton, SD, Brent and his wife, Carla Sheldon of Sisseton, SD and Wayne and his wife, JoAnn Sheldon of Brandon, SD; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, seven step-grandchildren, and ten step great grandchildren.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; George and Martha Sheldon, his wife Beverly in 2006, and his brothers, Aubrey, George, and Marvin Sheldon. Two grandsons, Brian and Gary Allen Sheldon.